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Steve McNamara is hopeful injured Danny McGuire and Kallum Watkins will be available for selection for the World Cup.

Last Updated: 03/06/13 5:00pm

Scrum-half McGuire is expected to be out for up to three months after suffering a broken leg in Friday's 18-6 loss at Hull FC, while centre Watkins could be out for eight weeks after badly damaging ankle ligaments in the same game.

The pair were likely to have played in next week's Exiles clash, with England coach McNamara is set to announce his squad on Tuesday. Instead, he is hopeful they can return to full fitness in time for the World Cup, which begins in October.

The England coach told the Yorkshire Post: "They were two really unfortunate injuries and the timing is, obviously, pretty poor for us.

"But that is especially true for the Leeds club who have plenty of injuries themselves and it is a cruel blow for the players.

Involvement

"Kallum was involved in the autumn games for us last season when he played well and, though Danny wasn't, they are both part of our 30-man ETS squad.

"Hopefully they'll both get back for the end of the season and they'll then be available for selection for the World Cup.

"We've a few others missing from that squad, too, at the minute with Carl Ablett and Danny Tickle both injured.

"There may be a couple more after this weekend just gone and we'll have to assess everything again after the Huddersfield/Saints game Monday night."